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24 October 2018

Dutch State Visit to Britain: Day Two Engagements and Farewell Jewels

The last day of the Dutch state visit to Britain didn't include a glittering gala, but we did get to spot a few significant pieces of jewelry -- including an outing from an heirloom British brooch!

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King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima's schedule for the day was packed, including a meeting with the Lord Mayor of London at Mansion House (in lieu of, I suppose, the traditional Guildhall dinner), a visit to Brixton, a meeting with the Prime Minister, and a viewing of a joint water capability demonstration by the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps and the Royal Marines.

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The Earl and Countess of Wessex, plus the Duke of Kent, were the Dutch royal couple's hosts for the day. Edward and Sophie may be a surprising choice for the role, but remember that the Wessexes have been the Queen's go-to representatives at royal events for the past two decades, so they've developed genuine personal relationships with many foreign royals.

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Both Maxima and Sophie chose earrings for their highlight accessories for the day.

She also popped on a few diamonds, wearing her diamond wedding bracelet and the ring that King Willem-Alexander gave her to celebrate the birth of Princess Alexia. For years the stone in this ring was described as a citrine, but apparently it may actually be a padparadscha sapphire.

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The Countess of Wessex reached into her jewelry box for her modern gold and drusy earrings.

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Before they departed, the King and Queen popped back over to Buckingham Palace to bid farewell to Queen Elizabeth II. She chose one of her grandmother's wedding gifts for the occasion, wearing the Women of Hampshire Brooch. Made by Garrard in 1893, the floral diamond and pearl brooch was given to Queen Mary as a wedding present by a committee of women chaired by the Duchess of Wellington.

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It's been a completely delightful state visit, full of exciting jewels and enthusiastic royals. One of my favorite parts of any Dutch royal visit is how much King Willem-Alexander obviously enjoys his wife's popularity.

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Just look at him! He knows he married a star, and he absolutely loves it. So endearing.